The Oldest First Grader | practice English with Spotlight

Summary

The story of Kimani Maruge, an 84-year-old Kenyan man who became the oldest person in the world to start primary school, is inspiring and powerful. Maruge, who was denied education in his youth, seized the opportunity provided by Kenya's new law offering free primary education in 2003. Despite initial resistance, he persisted and enrolled in school, eager to learn to read and write. His dedication to education, driven by his desire to read the Bible and avoid being cheated in business, led him to speak at the United Nations and continue his studies even through hardship. His message: 'A person is never too old to learn.'

Takeaways

• 😀 Kimani Maruge, at 84 years old, became the oldest person to start primary school, setting a world record.
• 😀 In 2003, the Kenyan government introduced free primary education, which allowed older people, like Maruge, to begin their education.
• 😀 Maruge had never attended school as a child due to family obligations and later participated in the Mau Mau rebellion for Kenya's independence.
• 😀 Despite his age, Maruge was determined to learn to read and write, especially to read the Bible and avoid being cheated in business.
• 😀 Initially, the head teacher at the Kapkenduiywa Primary School rejected Maruge’s request to attend, but eventually allowed him to enroll after multiple attempts.
• 😀 Maruge attended school with his grandchildren, starting in Grade One, and quickly became known for his intelligence and hard work.
• 😀 Maruge's determination to learn inspired not only his peers but also his teachers, who admired his progress.
• 😀 Maruge was invited by the United Nations to speak in New York City about the importance of free education for all children.
• 😀 Despite political instability and the Kenyan riots of 2007, Maruge continued attending school, walking over 3 kilometers each day to reach it.
• 😀 Kimani Maruge passed away in 2009 at the age of 90, but his story continues to inspire others through the film 'The First Grader.'

Q & A

Why did Kimani Maruge want to attend school at the age of 84?

Kimani Maruge wanted to attend school because he was never able to receive an education as a child. His reasons for wanting to learn included the desire to read and write, particularly for personal reasons such as reading letters, understanding official papers, and most importantly, being able to read the Bible.

What event led to Maruge's opportunity to attend school in 2003?

In 2003, the Kenyan government passed a law that provided free primary education for all students, which allowed Maruge to attend school despite being much older than other students.

How did the head teacher of Kapkenduiywa Primary School react when Kimani Maruge first requested to attend?

Initially, the head teacher, Jane Obinchu, refused to admit Maruge, thinking it was unusual for an 84-year-old to attend primary school. However, after multiple visits from Maruge and seeing his determination, she eventually agreed to let him attend.

What record did Kimani Maruge set when he started school?

Kimani Maruge set the Guinness World Record for being the oldest person in the world to start primary school at the age of 84.

Why did Kimani Maruge sacrifice his education when he was younger?

Maruge sacrificed his education to help his younger siblings go to school, as he was the oldest son in his family and had to work on the farm to support the family.

What role did Kimani Maruge play in the Mau Mau rebellion?

Kimani Maruge joined the Mau Mau rebels in the 1950s, a group of Kenyans from the Kikuyu tribe who fought against British colonial rule. Although the rebellion did not directly lead to Kenyan independence, it was a significant step in the long process that eventually resulted in the country's independence in 1963.

What motivated Maruge to learn how to read the Bible?

As a Christian, Maruge had attended church all his life but had to depend on religious leaders and his children to learn about the Bible. His desire to read the Bible independently was one of his main motivations for attending school.

What significant event did Kimani Maruge participate in after starting school?

In 2005, Kimani Maruge was invited by the United Nations to speak in New York City about the importance of free education, where he expressed his hope for all children in the world to receive an education.

What challenges did Maruge face while continuing his education in 2007?

In 2007, Kenya experienced riots between two major tribes, forcing Maruge to move to a refugee camp. Despite being 88 years old and having to walk over three kilometers to school, Maruge continued to attend school, driven by his strong desire to learn.

What was Kimani Maruge's message about education?

Kimani Maruge's message was that 'A person is never too old to learn.' He strongly believed in the power and importance of education, no matter one's age.